Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced a middle-aged man, Uzoma Madueke, to three years imprisonment with hard labour for importing fake Fulcin tablets into the country.
Justice Okon Abang in a judgment on Tuesday held that the convict chose to indulge in a venture that could result in the death of Nigerians.
The judge said, “Such abnormal behaviour requires drastic action. The action of the convict is bad because there are other legitimate means to make money.
“If not for the vigilance of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control in apprehending the convict, anybody could have been a victim of the fake drug, even the court.”
Madueke, had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge instituted against him by NAFDAC.
However, he later confessed to the commission of the crime.
His lawyer, Mr. O. Amobi, pleading with the court to temper justice with mercy, said his client was a first offender, who had learnt a bitter lesson.
He believed the convict would no longer indulge in the crime.
The offence, according to the one count charge signed by MHA Baba, was committed on June 25, 2009 in Epe, Lagos.
The charge read, “That you, Uzoma Madueke of No 47, Lagos Road, Epe, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, on or about the 25th day of June, 2009, did import fake and substandard tablets to wit: Fulcin Criseofulvina Tablets and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (a) of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act No 25 of 1999 and punishable under Section 3 (1) (a) of the same Act.”
During the review of facts before the judgment was delivered, NAFDAC’s counsel, Chris Okeke, said Madueke intentionally imported the fake drug in order to make maximum profit not minding the side effect of his action to Nigerians.
OMG!!! When will stop killing ourselves in this country in the name of making money.....God have mercy
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